Best places in the country to experience Durga Puja 2024

Durga Puja 2024: Durga Puja is one of the most revered and vibrant festivals in India, and is the celebration of the victory of good over evil. This festival honors the triumph of Goddess Durga over the demon king Mahishasura, symbolizing the end of malevolent forces. With roots deeply embedded in Hindu mythology, Durga Puja brings communities together to worship the goddess in her various forms over a period of nine days. Devotees participate in prayers, cultural performances, and festive rituals, making it a time of spiritual reflection and joy. Pandals are set up in vibrant layouts, housing beautifully crafted Durga idols, as people gather to offer prayers and seek protection from evil.

If you are planning to experience the grandeur of this festival, here are some of the best places to witness Durga Puja in all its glory:

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Kolkata, West Bengal:

Kolkata is the most vibrant centre of Durga Puja celebrations as locals believe that the goddess returns home like any married daughter visiting her parents. The city bustles with activity thanks to these bamboo pandals, which display intricate decorations and statues of Goddess Durga. Enjoy rituals, performances and traditional delicacies at famous places like Siliguri, Jalpaiguri, Birbhum and Bankura. Artisans create beautiful idols and festive markets fill the streets.

Ahmedabad, Gujarat:

In Ahmedabad, Durga Puja is combined with the celebration of Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana. The entire city is decorated with fireworks and platforms are created to tell the story of Ramayana. Dandiya dance evenings add to the cultural extravaganza, while the Laxmi Vilas Palace and the Navlakhi Ground mainly host the ancient tradition, with the burning of a large effigy of Ravana representing the victory of good over evil.

Katra, Jammu and Kashmir:

Durga Puja in Katra is celebrated at the Vaishno Devi temple. The celebration of the festival is simple yet pure in itself. The temple path is decorated with colourful lights and there is continuous chanting throughout the nine days. The 13 km walk to the temple will prove to be a divine experience during the nine days of the festival.

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh:

Durga Puja is a festival celebrating Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana in the city of Varanasi. The city is decorated with the Ramayana on almost every corner and it is common to see children dressed up as mythological characters. Being a very busy place, Varanasi still offers some of the most authentic spiritual experiences of Indian culture, mainly through its rituals during the festival.

Delhi:

Delhi’s Durga Puja focuses on the victory of Lord Rama, with grand reenactments of the Ramayana taking place across the city. The celebration ends with the burning of a large effigy of Raavan at iconic locations like Ramlila Maidan, the Red Fort and Subhash Maidan. The festival combines culture, devotion and rich heritage.